Chautauqua County Sheriff’s STOP-DWI to run over St. Patrick’s Day

March 5, 2014

MAYVILLE - Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace announced that the Chautauqua County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving during St. Patrick's Day weekend. The statewide STOP-DWI crack-down will start on Friday and continue through March 18. St. Patrick's Day is historically a deadly day for impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriff deputies and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will take part in this effort to reduce the number of impaired driving injuries and deaths. The last crackdown took place during Super Bowl weekend from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.

"Removing intoxicated drivers from Chautauqua County roadways is one of our top priorities," said Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace. "If you choose to drink, don't drive. Drunk drivers not only put themselves in danger, they threaten everyone who shares the highway with them."

As part of the New York State STOP-DWI Enforcement Crackdowns, Chautauqua County STOP-DWI patrols will be working with the New York State Police, Ellicott Police Department, Jamestown Police Department and Lakewood-Busti Police Department to protect everyone from drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs during St. Patrick's Day festivities.

The funding for these crackdowns is provided by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through a grant from the governor's traffic safety committee via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During this time period, law enforcement agencies vigorously enforce laws related to driving while impaired, with special emphasis on impaired driving either by alcohol or drugs.